British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled a significant tightening of restrictions on pro-Palestine demonstrations, suggesting that certain marches could be prohibited and participants using specific slogans may face criminal prosecution.
Speaking in an interview broadcast by the BBC on Saturday, the Prime Minister advocated for more stringent controls on the language permitted during these rallies, asserting that in specific instances, a complete ban on such gatherings would be an appropriate measure.
Starmer specifically identified the phrase “globalise the Intifada” as being “completely off limits”.
He described the chant as a manifestation of “extreme racism” and stated that those who utilise it “should be prosecuted”.
While the Prime Minister maintained that he remains a “big defender of freedom of expression” and the right to peaceful protest, he insisted that “tougher action” is required regarding such rhetoric.
He further revealed that the government has been engaged in ongoing consultations with police authorities for some time to determine what additional measures could be implemented.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley echoed these sentiments, informing the BBC that individuals who use the controversial phrase are “likely to be arrested”.
However, supporters of the slogan argue that it does not incite violence but rather serves as a call to expand the pro-Palestine movement into a broad global campaign.
These developments come as the Prime Minister faces mounting political pressure following a spate of anti-Semitic incidents.
Tensions peaked this week after a stabbing in Golders Green, a north London suburb with a significant Jewish community, where two men were attacked on April 30.
Starmer visited the scene and met with first responders from Shomrim North West London, a Jewish volunteer ambulance service, where he was booed by some local residents.
These individuals accused him of failing to protect the community and voiced their opposition to the pro-Palestinian marches held in various British cities.
In response to the Golders Green attack, British authorities have raised the national security alert level to “severe,” indicating that an attack is highly likely.
A 45-year-old British national, who was born in Somalia, appeared in court on Friday accused of attempted murder and was remanded in custody.
The government’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from activists who claim that British authorities are suppressing pro-Palestine activism during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Last month, more than 500 people were arrested by police during a central London vigil protesting the ban on the campaign group Palestine Action.
One participant told Al Jazeera that Britain has “descended into a non-democratic situation,” describing the current environment as a dangerous threat to free speech.
